Zagreb City, Croatia
This Living Lab lies within the heart of Croatia. Zagreb is a city blending historical charm with contemporary flair.

About this living lab
As visitors wander on the cobblestone streets, they can engage not only with architectural marvels and bustling city life but also with its urban forests. Our Living Lab in the Zagreb city region spans over 1,250 hectares. Managed by Croatian Forests Ltd, these green spaces play a pivotal role in the ecological, recreational, and cultural fabric of the city
Challenges
However, Zagreb’s urban forests also face significant challenges. Designated as one of the Natura 2000 areas, meticulous conservation efforts are required to keep a balance between conservation objectives and urban development requirements. Additionally, the increasing demand for recreational spaces from society adds to the growing pressure brought by visitors.
Area
1,250 ha
Guiding Management Principle
Provision of ecosystem services, protection of rare species based on Natura 2000 principle, wood production,
Current Management
Close to nature forestry
Management challenges
Natura 2000, pressure from visitors, societal demands
News
International Day of Forests: “Sustainable forest management combines resource use and biodiversity conservation”
The BOKU article for the International Day of Forests, written…
Beyond timber: how experts envision the future of non-wood forest products
by Gesche Schifferdecker, Jukka Tikkanen, Mikko Kurttila, and Rainer Peltola…
Wegscheid’s Living Lab: where woodpeckers and forest managers find their place
High up in the Styrian hills of Austria, where spruce…


